FHA Loans
The most popular loan for homebuyers — 8 out of 10 FHA borrowers are first-time buyers, according to HUD. You only need 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, and it works for repeat buyers too. DR Horton is currently offering a 3.99% rate buydown, which can significantly lower your monthly payment compared to standard market rates.
VA Loans
If you or your spouse have served in the military, VA loans offer 0% down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). This is one of the best loan products available, and it pairs perfectly with new construction incentives.
Conventional Loans
With 5-20% down, conventional loans typically offer the best interest rates for buyers with strong credit. Put 20% down and you avoid PMI entirely. A solid choice if you have savings built up.
USDA Loans
0% down payment for homes in qualifying rural areas. Many Central Texas communities qualify. Income limits apply, but this is a fantastic option for anyone buying outside city limits. A lender can verify your area quickly.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Texas has some of the best down payment assistance programs in the country — and most people don't even know they exist. These programs can provide up to 5% of the loan amount to help cover your down payment and closing costs. Some are forgivable grants, meaning you never pay them back. They're not charity — they're state-funded programs designed to get more Texans into homes.
- TSAHC - My First Texas Home: Down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying buyers
- TSAHC - My Choice Texas Home: Open to repeat buyers, not just first-timers
- TDHCA Programs: Additional state-level assistance programs
- Seth Programs: Community-based assistance available across Texas
The best part? All of these programs work with new construction. I can connect you with a loan officer who specializes in these programs and can walk you through exactly what you qualify for.
Already Own a Home?
You don't have to be a first-time buyer to take advantage of new construction. If you're looking to upgrade to more space, downsize now that the kids are grown, or relocate to a different part of Central Texas, new builds offer some real advantages over resale.
Builder incentives like rate buydowns and closing cost help aren't just for first-timers — they're available to anyone buying a new DR Horton home. And with most homes being move-in ready specs, you can sell your current home and close on the new one within weeks, minimizing the gap between moves.
If you need to sell before you buy, I can also connect you with agents who work with homeowners in this area. The goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Closing Costs Guide
Closing costs typically run 2-4% of the purchase price and cover things like appraisal fees, title insurance, lender fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. DR Horton often helps cover a portion of closing costs as part of their builder incentives, which can save you thousands at the closing table.
Timeline: From Pre-Approval to Closing
Buying a new construction home follows a straightforward path:
- Get pre-approved with a lender (I recommend DHI Mortgage — they have several loan officers who know these programs and the new construction process inside and out)
- Tour communities and find the right home and floor plan
- Write the contract and lock in your price
- Move-in ready specs with modern finishes already included
- Construction phase where you can watch your home come together
- Walkthrough with a third-party inspector to make sure everything meets standards
- Final walkthrough right before closing to confirm everything looks good
- Close and get your keys — on a spec home, contract to close can be as little as 3 weeks
Because most of our homes are move-in ready specs, the process moves fast. No months of waiting — you can go from contract to keys in as little as 3 weeks.
Let's Find Out What You Qualify For
No pressure, no obligation. Just real answers about your options.
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